Coronavirus Recording and Reporting Under OSHA RulesApril 9, 2020 - OSHA has indicated that coronavirus cases may be recordable if they are work-related and meet the general recording criteria. In addition, COVID-19 cases may be reportable if they are work-related and result in fatalities or inpatient hospitalizations. This Compliance Overview presents a summary of OSHA reporting and recording requirements that may apply to coronavirus cases in the workplace.

Workers' Compensation InsightsApril 8, 2020 -This work comp insights provides a general overview of insurance considerations as they relate to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Claims AdviceApril 2, 2020 - There have been a lot of questions regarding COVID-19, in particular about coverage and claims handling. This information is intended to offer guidance to help the clients of Connor & Gallagher OneSource (CGO) through these difficult times.

OSHA Guidance on COVID-19Added March 28, 2020 - OSHA considers COVID-19 infections to be a recordable illness when a worker is infected on the job. This compliance bulletin provides OSHA's guidance on how employers can prepare for and deal with the Coronavirus in the workplace.

Business Interruption Coverage QuestionsOne of the most common questions we are hearing is, “do I have Business Interruption coverage if we are required to shut down?” As we interpret the coverage form we do not believe that coverage is provided for the "COVID-19 Income Loss.” Our advice at this time would be to submit a claim to the carrier on your behalf and have the insurance company interpret coverage availability. More on COVID-19 and Business Interruption Insurance here [Coverage Insights]

Tip to Avoid Phone + Conference Line Call DropsPhone lines and conference services are being used at levels never seen before and it's causing dropped calls and busy tones. If you plan to host a conference call schedule meetings to start 15 or 45 minutes past the hour rather than on the hour. Carrier networks are less congested at these times.

May 12, 2020 - The IRS announced more options with respect to unused amounts in health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs). These options allow employers to permit an extended period for incurring health FSA or DCAP expenses and health FSA carryovers of up to $550. This Legal Update summarizes the new options.

April 30, 2020 - Leave Laws + Benefits During COVID-19 - free video from CGO with a detailed overview of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act leave laws as well as updates on Illinois health and disability carrier responses to COVID-19.

Over-the-Counter Medicines/Drugs and Menstrual Products Now Qualify for FSAs/HRAs/HSAsApril 2, 2020 - Within the CARES Act that passed last week is a provision that allows people to use the money they put away in a tax-advantaged health savings accounts towards over-the-counter drugs, medical supplies, and menstrual products. Read more about it here.

April 30, 2020 - Leave Laws + Benefits During COVID-19 - free video from CGO with a detailed overview of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act leave laws as well as updates on Illinois health and disability carrier responses to COVID-19.

DOL Regulations for Families First Coronavirus Response ActApril 7, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Labor has issued temporary regulations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, providing employers with information to help them meet their new paid leave requirements under the law. This compliance bulletin addresses highlights of the regulations.

Families First Coronavirus Response ActMarch 27, 2020 - Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), covered employers must post a notice of the FFCRA requirements in a conspicuous place on its premises. This HR Compliance Bulletin includes frequently asked questions issued by the DOL on this notice requirement.

Required Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice (for employers with less than 500 employees)March 26, 2020 - Yesterday, the DOL issued the required poster under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. In addition, the DOL issued questions and answers to help employers to comply. Both can be found in this link.

Controlling Payroll Costs with Employee FurloughsIn this uncertain business environment caused by COVID-19, employers are looking for ways to save money and possibly lower payroll costs. Employee furloughs may be an option.

IRS Issues Guidance on Tax Credits for Coronavirus Paid LeaveMarch 23, 2020 - Employers with fewer than 500 employees may begin using two new refundable payroll tax credits to obtain reimbursement for the costs of providing coronavirus-related leave to their employees, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on March 20, 2020. This document provides the guidance.

Retirement Plans + Finance/Tax Updates

401(k) Delayed Deposits of Employee Salary Deferrals Due to COVID-19?May 13, 2020 - “In a recent conversation with one of my plan sponsor clients, the business owner said that he heard it was OK to delay depositing employee salary deferrals to his 401(k) plan because of COVID-19. Can that be true?” This article provides the answer.

Investing During Market VolatilityApril 14, 2020 - Many people are anxious about their retirement savings accounts. This webinar recording from our retirement plan services team provides some reassurances and valuable insight to the market's recent up and down performance. Feel free to share this link with your retirement plan participants.

Payroll Protection Program for Small BusinessesThe CARES Act – a $2.2 trillion stimulus package, includes some really meaningful support for small businesses. Probably most notable is the portion of the bill called the Payroll Protection Program, which is a loan program that will be administered by the SBA. Here are some helpful resources on the loan program:

Tax Deadline UpdatesMarch 21, 2020 - The IRS officially moved the due date for 2019 tax return filings to July 15, 2020. This coincides with their earlier announcement of an extension of time to pay 2019 taxes. With these changes in place, no extension request of time to file your tax return is needed unless you need additional time after July 15, 2020 to file your taxes. More info here.

Questions?

This web page and resources within has been carefully compiled by the experienced insurance and Human Resources professionals at Connor & Gallagher OneSource (CGO). However, it is not a legal document and should not be construed as legal opinion. CGO will accept no liability for the use of these resources and opinions in the workplace. In the rapidly changing environment of the COVID-19 outbreak many of the opinions and resources are being impacted by continuously released guidance and therefore may be out of date. This is not an exhaustive list of all pertinent employer resources but we are doing our best to provide you with timely information as it is released.